The Government moves forward with the summons to the AFA and Superliga accountants so that they explain the financial statements

The Government moved forward with an investigation into the Argentine Football Association and the Superliga by summoning their accountants to explain alleged inconsistencies in the financial statements. Through the General Inspectorate of Justice (IGJ), the oversight body is demanding the justification of fund movements for a total of approximately 450 million dollars, in hearings that will begin this week.

According to the Ministry of Justice, next January 20 is the deadline for both entities to submit the accounting and financial statements that they have owed since 2017. In that context, AFA will have to explain flows close to 111 million dollars, while the Superliga is being asked to justify about 340 million. In addition, they will have to submit documentation that supports expenses and investments linked to activities that are not included in their corporate bylaws.

IGJ specified that the summonses seek for the professionals to "provide explanations about the figures contained in their accounting and financial statements, and answer all questions regarding the observations made", under the same criteria that apply to any registered private legal entity.

From the ministry headed by Mariano Cúneo Libarona, officials emphasized that AFA, which is presided over by the mafioso Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, is a nonprofit civil association and doesn't have any special treatment. "No one is above the law or has privileges. AFA and the Superliga must comply with the same requirements that are demanded of all associations and foundations", they warned.

Regarding the schedule, this Wednesday the Superliga's auditor, Fernando Dubois, will have to appear to answer for the fiscal years between 2020 and 2024. The following day it will be the turn of AFA's accountants (Claudia Carraro, Umberto Mucelli, and Claudio Bisurgi), who will provide explanations for the financial statements corresponding to the periods between 2017 and 2024.

The Government indicated in advance that the lack of response or noncompliance with the requirements within the established deadline "may result in severe financial penalties, both for the entities involved and for their directors", in a case that promises to strain even further the relationship between the State and the leadership of Argentine football.